CARSON, Calif. – Zlatan Ibrahimović is ready for an expanded role with the LA Galaxy after making his second appearance for the club on Sunday.
Ibrahimović went 28 minutes in the team’s 2-0 defeat to Sporting Kansas City. There were no dramatic heroics like his first appearance, but the Swede made a noticeable impact on the match, rattling off five shots, including three on goal in his shift.
The Galaxy’s newest striker told reporters that he left his second appearance unscathed, but he’s unsure if he’ll be ready to go 90 minutes next week when the team faces Chicago Fire.
“Let’s see. I’ve been injured for a long time. People forget when I play the first game and score two goals…you shouldn’t forget that I was out for almost one year,” Ibrahimović said. “I came back for [Manchester] United and played six or seven games. But we need to step it up day by day. We need to be intelligent.
“But I feel ready. I feel good. Next game, I’m probably there from the start. But it depends on what the coach is thinking and what he wants.”
Putting Ibrahimović into the lineup should provide added energy for a Galaxy side that has looked lackadaisical at times in recent matches. The defense has been an area of concern for Sigi Schmid’s squad, with the team conceding five times in their last two games.
Following the defeat to Sporting, both Ibrahimović and Schmid were vocal in stating that the team’s mentality must change as the season continues. Although the talented striker has only been with his team for a week, he’s ready to do his part to turn the Galaxy’s fortunes.
“If they are not hungry, I’ll make sure they will be hungry,” He said. “You have to wake up not even in the first minute, but in the warm-up. That is where you start everything. There can be many small details that make the difference. Why are we not awake from the beginning…I don’t know?
“I’ve been here one week. I look, I learn, and then I go for the kill.”
Get your Zlatan Ibrahimović Jersey
Shop MLSStore.com for Zlatan Ibrahimović jerseys.
